Impact of Intravenous Iron on Musculoskeletal Function in Older Adults
Status:
Not yet recruiting
Trial end date:
2027-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Anaemia is a risk factor for functional decline and frailty in older adults including
decreased physical performance and muscle strength, increased hospitalisation risk and
mortality, falls, and poorer recovery from activities of daily living. Despite a major gap in
human studies, research in animals has demonstrated an interrelationship between iron
deficiency anaemia and deteriorated functional capacity and physical performance particularly
in older adults. Iron deficiency and associated anaemia is a frequent accompanier of
debilitating chronic diseases such as heart failure and chronic lung diseases. These
conditions, more commonly seen in older patients, are strongly linked to deterioration in
physical function, reduced skeletal muscle mass and quality, frailty, and poor quality of
life. Exercise intolerance is also a common feature of these conditions as iron deficiency
impairs the capacity of carrying oxygen leading to inability to sustain physical activities.
Furthermore, the age-related decline in the muscle mass and quality (so called sarcopenia)
and associated frailty has rapidly become a major health concern in the older adults
particularly when accompanied by other chronic diseases. Recently, there has been an
increasing interest in exploring the role of iron as a causative factor in the development of
sarcopenia and related frailty.
In summary, there is a substantial gap of evidence whether Iron repletion leads to meaningful
enhancements in the skeletal muscle function and physical performance in older adults
suffering from iron deficiency anaemia. This study will investigate the impact of a standard
care intervention (intravenous iron therapy) on muscular function and physical performance in
older patients through a range of laboratory assessments.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Liverpool Hope University
Collaborator:
Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust